|
Setting aside time to help others set aside money
 Ailments
cannot stop this volunteer from helping others
To many, paying bills each month can be a hassle and
sometimes stressful, but not to this 79-year-old. Bud, who suffers from
COPD and is on oxygen, isn’t letting any of his ailments get in the way
of helping those who need a little assistance handling their finances.
For much of his life, Bud spent his time managing retail
stores. Now he helps those who have been deemed incapable of handling
their finances by Social Security manage their accounts by paying bills
and also giving individuals allowances for everyday needs.
Helping Find Stability
"I remember a client that was literally sleeping under a
bridge in a box but had the finances to have an apartment. One winter he
got frostbite so bad that they amputated several of his toes. Over a
period of time we got him into a shelter and from the shelter we got him
into a group home. He is now in an apartment of his own," Bud describes.
This client is now very concerned about his finances.
Every month he watches Bud write his checks to make sure his bills are
paid before he gets his allowance.
Bud’s volunteer work is with the Representative Payee
Program, which is funded by United Way of the Plains. The program at
Episcopal Social Services provides money-management to adults living
with disabilities who receive Social Security supplemental or disability
income and who are required by Social Security to have a payee of record
who pays their rent and utilities.
Managing Income
Representative Payee volunteers manage income for more
than 200 clients that utilize this free service. The program serves
clients in Wichita, Arkansas City and Winfield. It is the largest payee
program in the state of Kansas.
Bud works three days a week and has logged more than
1,600 hours. In any given week, Bud could handle as many as 25 accounts.
"This has given me a better understanding of people and
where they’re coming from. Each client is different. Some just need
someone to talk to," said Bud.
Bud is described by his co-workers to be very
enthusiastic and always in a good mood.
"Every day I see Bud, I ask him how he’s doing and it’s
always fantastic, nothing less," describes Ashley Utz, director of the
Representative Payee Program.
Article by Lacey Cruse
See column at right to find out
more about how your support of United Way of the
Plains is helping our community. More Stories:
click here. |
